How do we engage parents and other community members to support the arts in difficult economic times?
A. The importance of educating parents and other community members about why the arts are essential cannot be stressed enough. Parents are used to hearing why math and reading are key to success and getting a job, but have they heard about the creative economy driving jobs in the 21st century? The arts and literacy? The arts and workforce development? See the Governor’s Task Force on Literacy in the Arts report on this website, or call the Arts Learning Network for a hard copy. (401) 222.6994 Research-based arguments are clearly laid out. The arts are fundamental in the development of the whole child. Experience in the arts supports cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Creative and critical thinking as well as emotional expression and empathy developed in the arts are essential not only to personal success, but to today’s jobs and to survival. Additionally, educators must work cooperatively with the community and engage in creative problem solving within budgetary limits. Th
